Trail trust awaits talks outcome

The group behind a project aiming to provide a cycle link
between Mosgiel and Dunedin is awaiting the result of crucial
land negotiations.

Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust trustee Gerard Hyland said it
began negotiations with the property owners of the land
leading up to the 158m Chain Hills railway tunnel in December
and hoped to get an answer soon.

The plan was for the disused 148-year-old railway tunnel to
form part of the first stage of a trail linking Dunedin to
Mosgiel, which would also use the Caversham tunnel.

It was hoped work could begin on building the track in the
''next month or two'', depending on the result of
negotiations, Mr Hyland said.

Gaining access through the property would also allow the
project control group to apply for grants to pay for the
trail.

He said Matthew Sole, who negotiated the easements for the
Roxburgh and Clutha gold trails, had been involved in the
property negotiations and in marking a potential trail
through the property.

''Basically, the property owners didn't want the trail going
along the old railway form because it was too close to the
house, so we looked at using the bank which was south of the
house.''

Mr Sole said no issues were expected when it came to
negotiating use of the Chain Hills tunnel, which was believed
to be under Crown control.

Last year he said estimates of costs for the Chain Hills
stage of the project ranged from ''several hundred thousand
dollars'' to more than $2 million.